Mots-clés

Dependence

Addiction / Dependence / Internet / Gambling / Sex

Addiction / dependence: Both terms refer to a more or less alienating uncontrolled need for a substance or to indulge in a behavior. The development of a tolerance leading to an increased consumption of the substance or an increased indulgence in the behaviour concerned. Futhermore the cessation of the practice triggers a withdrawal phenomenon with unpleasant physical and psychological consequences, which then reinforces the repetition of the addictive behaviour.
Internet addiction or dependence is a compulsive (irrepressible) desire to be online for gambling, social networks, cybersex, shopping, role playing... The impulsiveness characterising this disorder inhibits thinking about and therefore anticipation of the consequences of the behaviour. So the patient’s central concern is to think more and more about online activity, to desire more spend time there, with consequent decrease in time and energy available to spend on any other activity. The person concerned will lack control being unable to reduce the time spent online. Internet addiction can lead to a denial of the actual time spent online and also jeopardise social and family relationships, training or employment. It creates breaks with reality and exclusion often used to escape problems by creating avatar personalities. Like any addiction, withdrawal is marked by unpleasant physical and psychological changes, such as states of irritability, sadness or restlessness.
Gambling addiction sets in over time and begins with a very positive emotion produced when the gambler wins. The player wants to relive it, win and therefore play again. The time devoted to this activity will increase until it spills over into everyday activities. The need to gamble will increase, despite the potentially very serious consequences on professional, relational and financial areas, which the person has a tendency to underestimate. Attempts to reduce or stop playing will be unsuccessful. The practice is then excessive, the person has lost control and the gambling becomes compulsive, repeated and irrepressible.
Sexual dependence or addiction causes loss of freedom, social handicap, suffering. It is characterised by sexual behaviour whose frequency is increased until it becomes excessive. This behaviour is invasive and beyond the person's control, even despite the suffering or negative consequences it causes. Sex becomes the priority of the affected person's life. This behavioural addiction is based on the denial of the addiction and on the belief by the person that they control the situation, that this is how they function. They are reluctant to accept personal responsibility and preferring to blame others in their environment, which often leads to isolation.
Addictions to alcohol, tobacco and other addictive drugs, as well as food will be treated separately.